Chandigarh: CJM court to be first to work as per new criminal laws
Chandigarh, July 14
The court of the Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM), Chandigarh, has been chosen as the first in the District Courts, Chandigarh, to function as per the provisions of the three news criminal laws — Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) , Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA).
The National Informatics Centre (NIC) and other government agencies have been working on the software, which will equip the CJM court to do things electronically as per the provisions of the new laws.
The focus in the new criminal laws has been given on paperless work. From submitting the chargesheet online to recording of the evidences, all have been allowed electronically in the new laws. For example, Section 63 of the BNSS introduces technology compatibility for issuance and service of summons. The court can now issue summons in electronic form authenticated by the image of the seal of the court or digital signature. Further, Section 70 allows for service of summons through electronic means.
For the purpose of making the process effective, transparent and accountable, a provision has been made in Section 64 for maintaining a register in the police station and in the court to keep the address, email address, phone number, etc. of the person to be summoned.
The lawyers will be allowed to participate in the proceedings even as they are sitting anywhere. The new laws also allow oral evidence to be given electronically. Witnesses, prosecution and the defence have also been allowed to record the statements electronically.
As per the new provision, a magistrate can also supply documents electronically to the accused. Sources in the District Courts say that once the software is installed and other infrastructure is ready, the CJM court will be connected electronically with the model jail and police stations falling under its jurisdiction.
